For 20+ years, Country superstar Kenny Chesney has been cranking out hits, and, simultaneously, cultivating his image and brand, with an emphasis on his fondness for sun, surf and summer via brilliant marketing, such as his “No Shoes Nation” store for sunglasses and shirts, and his rum line, Blue Chair Bay.
He even had a hit called “Summertime.”
Chesney’s tropical sensibility plays out on his newest single, “All The Pretty Girls,” a “summer song” that captures his free flowing spirit and energy, and since today (June 21st) is the official “first day of summer” this is a “heads up” that you’ll likely hear “All the Pretty Girls” numerous times in the next few months at bars, restaurants, the mall.
It’s only been out two-weeks and it’s already one of Country radio’s most played tunes.
John Mellencamp had a monster “summer” hit in 1982, with “Hurts So Good” which had a notable opening riff that is reminiscent of Kenny Chesney’s latest effort, although the “image” of those two artists, and their songs, are distinctly different: Chesney is airy and light, surf and sun, and Mellencamp (nee Couger) is black leather, motorcycles, and young women in chains.
Not sure what this says about Boomers vs. Gen X and Millennials, but it’s something to think about while sunning at the beach, listening to Kenny Chesney’s bouncy “All the Pretty Girls” blasting from somebody else’s radio.